by Gwendolyn M Plano
There are reasons we create through words, music, or some other art form. Perhaps we express the beauty we see or the mysteries we struggle to understand. Maybe our focus is the loves we have lost or found. Through one medium or another, we reach out to our known and unknown friends, to share a bit of who we are.
Author Shannon L Alder wrote, “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones.” And I wonder, isn’t this what we strive to do?
My dear aunt (my mom’s identical twin) went to her heavenly home two weeks ago. A second mother to me and to so many others, she seemed to know when we each needed help. Through letters and phone calls, she offered comfort and support. And, at her funeral, a final gift – a treatise that she entitled, “The Gospel According to Luella.” It begins very simply:
“My dear ones, you may not know it, but I pray for you all each day. I do not pray that you be wealthy or acclaimed, or in positions of great power. Rather that you be aware of the abiding presence and love of our dear Lord. He is there to walk the narrow path with us.”
Her gospel continues with awe-inspiring descriptions of peace that she experienced while walking the narrow path, raising her eight children. These images have carved her name on our grieving hearts -- hearts already crowded with blessed memories.
When I began drafting Letting Go into Perfect Love, I was unaware of the writers in my family. I only knew that I had a story I needed to share. As the chapters unfolded though, aunts and uncles, and cousins and siblings emerged with their adventures and manuscripts. And I realized -- we all carry a story that needs to be shared.
Last fall, I stumbled upon the Rave Reviews Book Club through Twitter; its membership is dominantly writers. From Fantasy to Mystery, Fiction to Nonfiction, the authors talk about their masterpieces and tweet about their work and that of others. Though the Club has many notable attributes, I was and am especially drawn to its underlying principles of respect, kindness and reciprocity. As I have gotten involved with the Club, I’ve discovered a family of like-minded artists.
A few days ago I was informed that the Club will interview me on their Rave Waves – a Blog Talk Radio program. If you have interest, please listen in on July 16 at 11:00 CT. I don’t know what to expect, but I know I’ll be talking with a friend, someone who like me strives to carve his name on hearts.
Author Shannon L Alder wrote, “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones.” And I wonder, isn’t this what we strive to do?
My dear aunt (my mom’s identical twin) went to her heavenly home two weeks ago. A second mother to me and to so many others, she seemed to know when we each needed help. Through letters and phone calls, she offered comfort and support. And, at her funeral, a final gift – a treatise that she entitled, “The Gospel According to Luella.” It begins very simply:
“My dear ones, you may not know it, but I pray for you all each day. I do not pray that you be wealthy or acclaimed, or in positions of great power. Rather that you be aware of the abiding presence and love of our dear Lord. He is there to walk the narrow path with us.”
Her gospel continues with awe-inspiring descriptions of peace that she experienced while walking the narrow path, raising her eight children. These images have carved her name on our grieving hearts -- hearts already crowded with blessed memories.
When I began drafting Letting Go into Perfect Love, I was unaware of the writers in my family. I only knew that I had a story I needed to share. As the chapters unfolded though, aunts and uncles, and cousins and siblings emerged with their adventures and manuscripts. And I realized -- we all carry a story that needs to be shared.
Last fall, I stumbled upon the Rave Reviews Book Club through Twitter; its membership is dominantly writers. From Fantasy to Mystery, Fiction to Nonfiction, the authors talk about their masterpieces and tweet about their work and that of others. Though the Club has many notable attributes, I was and am especially drawn to its underlying principles of respect, kindness and reciprocity. As I have gotten involved with the Club, I’ve discovered a family of like-minded artists.
A few days ago I was informed that the Club will interview me on their Rave Waves – a Blog Talk Radio program. If you have interest, please listen in on July 16 at 11:00 CT. I don’t know what to expect, but I know I’ll be talking with a friend, someone who like me strives to carve his name on hearts.
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